The "Turkey Math" Calculator
Enter your exact guest count below to instantly see how much food you need to buy. Defaults to 11 guests with standard leftovers.
turkey
Turkey Size
17 lbs
Based on 1.5 lbs per person (raw weight) for decent leftovers.
nutrition
Potatoes
8 lbs
For mashed. Approx 0.75 lbs per person.
bakery_dining
Stuffing
9 cups
Prepared volume. ~3/4 cup per person.
liquor
Gravy
6 cups
Always make extra. Approx 1/2 cup per person.
soup_kitchen
Cranberry Sauce
3 cups
~1 cup per 4 guests.
pie
Pies (9-inch)
2 whole pies
Assumes 6-8 slices per pie. Better to have too much pie!
The Stress-Free Timeline
Don't try to do it all on Thursday. Breaking it down is the only way to survive hosting 11 people.
1 Week Before
- check_circle"Dry Run" Shopping Trip: Buy all non-perishables (canned pumpkin, flour, sugar, spices, wine, drinks). Avoid the mad rush later.
- check_circleClean Out Fridge: You need massive space for the turkey and casseroles. Be ruthless.
- check_circleMake Ahead (Freezable): Pie dough and turkey stock (for gravy) can be made now and frozen.